VARIABILITY OF ARSENIC IN DIFFERENT VARIETY OF RICE AND ASSOCIATED HEALTH RISKS

There is a concern in the global scientific community about irrigation levels of Arsenic (As) in food chain notably in rice grains from South East Asia. Rice is a staple food for about 2/3^rd of the global population and contribute to a major portion (~70-75%) of calorific intake of the inhabitants of rural Bengal. The present study focusses on the As accumulation and its variation in different varieties of rice collected from rural Bengal (n=197). The rice varieties consumed by the local population were collected by door to door survey. The variability of the As level has been investigated with regard to genotype, season of cultivation, shape and IET number for different variety of rice. The As levels in the rice grains from Bengal has also been compared with Global normal range for rice grains (Swarna, Ranjit Pratik and Parijat). The variability of As level in rice grain has been further investigated with regard to cultivation practice and crop production. The study reveals that rice cultivated for a long duration in low land are showing higher level of As than rice cultivated for a short duration in upland. The important physical appearance (grain size) has also been analyzed and found that Shot Bolt (SB) rice is mostly contaminated when compare with Medium Slender (MS) and Long Slender (LS). The SB rice with low cost and high calorific value, is usually consumed by the local villagers. Another important physical appearance of rice grain is color and brown colored rice has been found to have elevated concentration of As than white colored rice. Nevertheless, the median value of brown rice (0.214 mgkg^-1) is higher than the global normal range of As in rice. Risks (HQ and CR) have been determined. Risk studies indicate that Swarna, Ranjit and Parijat has shown non-cancer risk potential. Swarna has shown potential risk for cancer while Ranajit may also contribute in cancer development in consumers.